Jokowi Alludes To Local Governments Incompatible With The Center For Infrastructure Development

President Joko Widodo gave directions on the National Musrenbang event in Jakarta, Monday 6/5/2024). BETWEEN ANTARA/Yashinta Difa.

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo emphasized that synchronization between the center and the regions must be carried out immediately, as the key to every development carried out in the country.

This was conveyed by President Joko Widodo in his direction at the National Development Planning Conference at the Jakarta Convention Center Convention Center, Jakarta, Monday, May 6.

"We already have long-term development plans, medium-term plans, and our annual entry has either a government work plan or RKP. But what is not yet in sync or not with the big plans we have. This is what we haven't. So synchronization is the key," Jokowi said in his directive.

The Head of State gave an example when the central government built a dam in the area as well as a primary irrigation system, in fact the secondary and tertiary irrigation system to drain water into the rice fields, which should be the responsibility of the region, was not carried out.

"The water doesn't reach the fields we have," said Jokowi.

The central government, said Jokowi, has also built ports. However, the need for regional road construction to go to the port, even though it is only one to five kilometers away, is not carried out by the regions.

"This is what is called non-synchronous and not in rhythm," said Jokowi.

He then mentioned the construction of several roads and infrastructure that have been carried out, including 2,049 kilometers of toll roads, 5,833 kilometers of national roads, the construction of 25 new ports, and 25 new airports.

According to him, the Regional Planning and Development Agency (Bappeda) should immediately see how to connect all existing developments with productive regional centers such as tourism, plantations and agriculture areas including handicraft centers.

"That's what the regions should do. If it's really not able to, tell the center," he said.

Jokowi emphasized that all development policies must be in rhythm from the center to the regions.

He also reminded that every development plan by the relevant ministries was discussed with the regions first, to ask the regional readiness to follow up on further development.

"Kep at the door, kulo nuwun. If you can't move it to another province. But usually when asked to the governor, regent, mayor usually says you can. The time (development) is over, (they say) "Wow, sir, our APBD is up for this, for this". Even though it is up for that in front, "said Jokowi.

Therefore, the President emphasized the importance of synchronization between the center and the regions in every development carried out. He asked the 2025 Government Work Plan to be actually structured based on the principle of programs that are in rhythm between the center and the regions.